Friday, February 16, 2007
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NAIROBI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - Somalia's interim government hailed neighbouring Kenya's recognition of its new passport on Friday, saying the move would boost the fight against terrorism and weapons trafficking in the volatile Horn of Africa. The new document was launched in November before the government ousted rival Islamists in a war over the New Year.
"It is great news and a welcome step towards peace, stability and the building of our nation," said Somali government spokesman Abdirahman Dinari. "It will also help the fight against terrorists and the proliferation of small arms."
Somalia's old passport was easily forged and was disregarded by immigration authorities in most parts of the world. The new one, already recognised by neighbouring Ethiopia, contains a computer chip to ensure data cannot be duplicated or changed.
Source: Reuters, Feb 16, 2007